Abstract
A retrospective single-center review has been performed to gather clinical data on the use of polycarbonate-urethane (PCU) as an articulating bearing material inside a cobalt-chrome (Co-Cr) press-fit acetabular shell.
As of January 2010, the Co-Cr shell and PCU liner have been implanted into 25 total hip patients which were retrospectively followed. The indications for use were in 24 cases of osteoarthritis, and 1 revision case. No patient was lost to follow-up. The average follow-up time was 17.6 months (range 8-27). The average age of these patients was 67.9 (range 44-84), the sex distribution was 14 female and 11 male patients, of whom 15 were right and 10 left side. 24 patients received a total hip replacement with the metal acetabular system and a cementless femoral stem and 1 patient received the metal acetabular shell coupled to a cemented resurfacing head.
None of the cases has had a dislocation, revision, dislodgement, or infection. At follow-up, the mean Harris hip score was 98 points (80-99). X-rays showed good bone-implant contact without any osteolysis or bone rarefaction.
A detailed review of the clinical data of these patients shows that a PCU liner inserted into a Co-Cr acetabular shell is as safe and effective as other commonly used acetabular shells in other total hip systems currently available. No new or unintended adverse or device-related events were discovered with the clinical use of PCU in a Co-Cr acetabular shell.
